Experience Summary
I have been involved in the field of graphic design and art direction since receiving my Master’s Degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 1978. I have been employed at a number of advertising and sales promotion firms during that time, and I have also been self-employed twice. I have been an associate creative director and/or executive creative director at several firms, and was a principal at a small advertising/design firm for several years. Since 2002, I have operated a free-lance creative business under the name Whitney Design Works, here in St. Louis. I specialize in logo and package design, but get involved in all manner of creative projects, including illustration, concepting, photo direction and copywriting. I especially enjoy working and sharing my knowledge with younger designers.
Teaching Style
I mostly appreciate teaching the basics of design, including (but not limited to) design concepts, color theory, typography, eye flow and writing. I practice a holistic approach, that is, the belief that all the elements of a graphic design (imagery, copy, layout, etc.) must work together as one complete unit. No one part should stand alone, and the overall strength of the whole is only as great as its weakest part. I work well one-on-one or with a small group. I believe that each student has their own personality type, and that they should be approached as individuals.